Happy story recalled by journalist (6)
I believe the answer is:
elated
'happy' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'story recalled by journalist' is the wordplay.
'story' becomes 'tale' (synonyms).
'recalled' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'tale' backwards is 'elat'.
'elat'+'ed'='ELATED'
(Other definitions for elated that I've seen before include "In very high spirits, really chuffed" , "In an enraptured state" , "Highly delighted" , "Joyful, uplifted" , "Euphoric" .)